SINGAPORE: What started as a routine drive turned into a scary moment along Bukit Batok East Ave 6 on Oct 29, when a Toyota Prius rear-ended a Tesla Model S at a traffic junction. This incident, however, could have ended much worse if not for a timely and, quite frankly, lucky overtake that happened moments before.
A dashcam video of the crash, shared on the SG Road Vigilante (SGRV) Facebook page, has since gone viral, racking up over 213,000 views, 700 reactions, and 100 comments from stunned netizens as of writing.
According to the footage, the Toyota Prius was seen driving unusually slowly on the road. What looked like a Tesla Model S behind it then signalled properly before overtaking the Prius, which was an ordinary move at first glance. But what followed just seconds later left many viewers uneasy.
As both vehicles approached a red-light junction, the Tesla stopped behind a motorcycle waiting in line. The Prius, however, continued rolling forward — with no visible brake lights — and slammed straight into the Tesla’s rear.
The impact was sudden and forceful, sending the Tesla jolting forward just behind the motorbike. Thankfully, the rider escaped unhurt — but it was a close call.
A close shave for the motorcyclist
Viewers were quick to point out that the motorcyclist might have been spared from a far worse outcome, possibly because of the Tesla’s earlier overtake. “If the Tesla didn’t overtake, the [motorcycle] rider for sure would be in the ambulance already,” one commenter wrote. Another echoed the same thought, saying, “Rider is really lucky. If not [for the Tesla’s earlier overtake], they would have been sandwiched in between the car and the lorry’s backside.”
It’s a sobering reminder of how a split-second decision on the road — like a simple overtake — can make the difference between safety and disaster.
Was the Prius driver unwell or asleep?
The clip sparked a wave of speculation online. Many netizens on Facebook were left to wonder what could have caused the Prius to behave so strangely. There was no sign of braking, and the car appeared to roll forward uncontrollably until the collision.
“I did not see any brake lights come on at all. That Prius was out of control,” one viewer commented. This sentiment was echoed by a lot of people. Some suggested that the driver might have been fatigued, distracted, or even experiencing a medical emergency.
Another user added a different perspective, noting, “LTA/GRAB needs to start regulating and limiting the hours PHV drivers are on the road. A few times, the PHV driver who picked me up dozed off, and I had to keep talking to him to keep him awake.”
If the Prius was indeed a private-hire vehicle, the comment highlights a growing concern about driver fatigue — particularly among those who clock long hours to meet demand. Falling asleep while driving, even for mere seconds, can have devastating consequences.
A reminder for all road users
While investigations or updates from the authorities have yet to surface, the incident serves as another reminder for all motorists. Whether you’re driving a car, riding a motorcycle, or even commuting in a PHV, alertness on the road can save lives.
For the Tesla driver and the motorcyclist involved, the day could have ended far worse. Their luck — and perhaps Tesla’s well-timed overtake — helped avoid tragedy.
As netizens continue to share and discuss the video, one hope remains universal: that the Prius driver is safe and well, and that no one was seriously injured.
At the end of the day, this serves as a quiet but powerful reminder: on Singapore’s busy roads, safety is never just your own responsibility, but it’s everyone’s burden to take.
